The new general manager of Rideau Carleton Raceway stepped into service yesterday with high hopes for the operation

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"Rideau has been doing a lot of good things. It's been very aggressive in its marketing for patrons," said Gatineau, Que., native Jean Larose, 61, none the worse for wear after a car he was in hit a deer on the return leg of a two-week trip to Myrtle Beach.

"What I'd like to do is bring in more (horse) owners. I think that's the key to the success of the track. We also have to be more aggressive with the mutuel offering, with more inventive products, and make it easier to understand for new patrons. But it's a lot of work and you can't do it in one day."

A chartered accountant, Larose is a former shareholder and financial officer at Hippodrome d'Aylmer and was general manager of that track during its last three years. (Aylmer closed in 2009 with the bankruptcy of Quebec racetrack owner Attractions Hippiques).

He did some freelance work for Rideau-Carleton president Warren Armstrong prior to landing the general manager's job.

"I've got a lot of experience with businesses, all kinds of businesses, as a chartered accountant, and I understand what's going on in racing," Larose said. "I've seen the impact of slots in Ontario, lived through track closings. Racetracks are really going to have to be inventive and aggressive in their operation to keep mutuels healthy."

(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)